Google: No, Google Search Algorithm Updates Don't Impact Your Direct Traffic

Jun 24, 2021 - 7:41 am 4 by

Google Direct

Google's John Mueller had to tell an individual that when Google makes changes to its search algorithms, those changes should have zero impact on your direct traffic. Yes, they can have a big impact on your organic traffic, but not your direct traffic, John said.

Direct traffic are website visits that arrived on your site either by typing your website URL into a browser or through browser bookmarks. Google Analytics will also lump in traffic that it can't recognize the traffic source of a visit into this category.

But the only thing that should really changes directly related to an algorithm update would be organic traffic. Of course, if your organic traffic drops, maybe less people are sharing your website on social and via email. But I can't imagine it would have a huge impact on your direct traffic? Or maybe it does for some sites?

John Mueller of Google said on Twitter "Search algorithms can't affect direct traffic -- it sounds like either you're not tracking direct traffic (and it's more a total mix of traffic), or something unrelated also happened." John said maybe something is broken with the site or the analytics configuration that is causing this but it would not be a Google algorithm update.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
- YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: July 11, 2025

Jul 11, 2025 - 10:00 am
Search Video Recaps

Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Helpful Content Recoveries With Core Update, AI Mode Expands, Hidden Ad Terms & Fewer Ad Clicks

Jul 11, 2025 - 8:01 am
Google Maps

Google Local & Business Profiles Drops June 25th - Reporting Glitch?

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google

Google Tests Zoom Effect In On Images Within Search Results

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:41 am
Bing Search

Bing Search Image Box Tests Explore Image & Visual Search Buttons

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:31 am
Bing Search

Microsoft Bing Tests Delivery Truck Icon In Search Ads

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:21 am
Previous Story: Google Local Pack Review Filters Smiley Faces